Special Occasions
These items remind us of happy times we celebrated with family and of special family members. Some are ceremonial and others are more decorative.
Military Sword
Japan
Marian S.- grandmother
My grandfather was in the Navy Reserves for over 25 years. He wasn\'t a soldier, but something just as important, a doctor. This sword was part of his dress white uniform that he wore for special occasions.
I never knew my grandfather but my mom and my grandmother have told me what special a person he was. He is part of my Jewish heritage because he passed down his rituals to my mom, and now to me. I want to honor him my adding his military sword to the living museum.
Matzoh Cloth
Czech Republic
Walter G.
My grandfather\'s grandmother, Luise Gewing embroidered this matzoh cloth when she was a young girl. This is special to our family because it is one of the few artifacts that survived the Holocaust and stayed with our family.
This cloth consists of four parts than can be folded so that three matzot are placed between the folds. The top panel reads Shel Pesach, the next two show the four sons, the wicked one, the wise one, the simple one and the one that cannot ask questions. They are part of the Passover narrative, which leads to an explanation of the Passover celebration.
Candlesticks of my great grandfather
Churevitz, Astro-Hungarian Empire
My parents
This artifact reminds my family of our ancestors and living relatives. It also reminds us that Shabbat is special, and even though it is once a week, it is still a special occasion. Though they may look like ordinary candlesticks, what\'s special about them is they are handmade. They are unique and not like any other candlesticks in the world. When lighting candles in them on Shabbat, the warmth and radiance of their glow is reassuring.
Candlesticks of my great grandfather or any other candlesticks are important because they help celebrate Shabbat and they thank God for separating light from darkness.
Wedding ring pillow
Philadelphia, PA
Eve and Tom W.
Nana (my grandma) made my parents\' wedding ring pillow. E & T stands for Eve and Tom, my parents. C.T. (cousin Teddy) was the ring bearer for their wedding. On October 2, 1988, this pillow was put to use for my parents\' wedding. Ever since then, my mom has kept many of her wedding items for memories.
This is a sentimental item from my parents\' wedding and my mom is Jewish and so are my brothers and I. This item has become part of my family\'s Jewish history.
Lace Tablecloth
Untied States
Rose S./Great Grandmother
The lace tablecloth was made by my great grandmother. She enjoyed crocheting as a relaxing activity. From generation to generation, the tablecloth has been used for special occasions.
This tablecloth is important to my family because it was handmade by someone special to us. It is one of the few things that we have in memory from my great grandmother. My mom now has it and sometimes uses it on religious holidays.